Cultivator.



'I'. N,- TAFE'.

GULTIVATOB. APPLICATION 'ILLfn vun a1', 191,1.

Patented July 30, 1912.'v

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CULTIVATOR. y APILIUATIOH FILED HAY 31, 1911.

Patented July 3o, 1912.

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F. N. TAPF.

oULTIvAToR. V APPLIOATIOH FILED IAY 31, 1911. 1,034,165. Patented July 30,1912.

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CULTIVATOR. 221.1011103 FILED nu a1, 1911.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

f Patented July 30, 1912.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

FREDERICK N. TAFE, M-ILLINGTON, NEW JERSEY.

' CULTIVATOR.

To all 'Lo/0m t may concern Be it known that I, FREDERICK N. TAFF, a citizen of the United States, residing at Millington, in the county of Morris and State of New Jersey, have invented an Improvement in Cultivators, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to a machine for cultivating growing crops which machine operates to pulverize and mellow the surface soil to a depth suflicient for the requirements of cultivation and the eradication of weeds, yetnot of a depth sufficient to disturb the roots of the crop being cultivated, and in carrying out my invention, I employ sinuous colters in combination with novel mechanism for o-perating them in a horizontal plane and adjusting them to varying inclined positions iny vertical planes, which mechanism is hereinafter more fully described.

In the accompanying drawing: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cultivator equipped with my improvement; Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the same in larger size, with the axle in section on the dotted line fr, m, Fig. 3; Fig. 3 is a front view of the cultivator with some parts removed for clearness; Fig. 4 is a side view with some of the parts broken away and others removed showing the colters andtheir operating mechanism as they appear in action. Fig. 5 is a detached view of the arch-bar and its attached rocker arm, and Fig. 6 illustrates the ball and socket connection of the draft beams with the front draft arch.

Similar reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the separate views.

1, 1, indicates the carrying wheels. 2 the axle upon which the wheels turn, and which is bent or bowed upwardly at a predetermined distance from the wheels, so that its center is considerably higher than its ends connected with the wheels.

3 indicates the forward portion of the frame to which the tongue 4 is bolted and 5 the whil'lietrees connected to the tongue. The frame 3 is connected to the central raised portion of the axle 2, preferably by clips 6, and has bolted to it a rearwardly extended portion 8a, to the extreme end of which the seat 7 is secured, preferably by a bolt 8. Secured to the under surface of the tongue 4, and to the forward end of the frame 3, is a dependent draft arch 9, hav- Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed May 31, 1911.

Patented July 3o, 1912.

Serial No. 630,370.

ing its ends bent outward at about right angles on either side, and to which ends at either side of the tongue are bolted one end of the brace rods 10, 10, the other ends of said brace rods being connected to the upright portions of the axle 2, at either side of the machine, preferably by U-sha-ped spanning clips, 11, 11, of usual character, with clamping nuts 12, 12, Additional brace rods 13, 13,- are also preferably employed lsecured at one end to the under surface of draft arch 9. These rounded heads and socket joints permit the draft beams 14 to be swung upward by the operator when desired through the means hereafter 'described, the weight of the beams and attached `parts hereafter described insuring the retention of the rounded heads 16 within the sockets 17 at all times. These sockets 17 4are provided with grooves 17a into which the necks or projections 15 on the draft beams 14 rest, which grooves are gradually spread ory widened toward their outer ends thus permitting lateral movement of the necks or projections 15 therein, as shown in Fig. 6. These draft beams 14 about midway of their length are bent at an angle, so that in a normal position their forward ends extend from the bar 9 lrearward in a downwardly inclined position while their rear ends' occupy a substantially horizontal position. About midway of'these beams 14, there are bolted to their under surface dependent V-shaped draft brackets 18, 18, terminating in tubular sockets 19, 19.

20, 20, represent four rods, each having an eye at one end for connection with the brackets 1S by bolts 22, and bent over at their other and free ends in the form of hooks 21, 21.

23 indicate four hangers,` pivotally connected in pairs at their upper ends to the extreme rear ends of the draft beams 14, preferably by pins or bolts 24. These hangers 23, are bent outwardly below their consoy . ture.

nection with the draft bea-ms 14 so that their lower ends are spread apart, and each hanger is provided in its lower end with a hole through which is passed a ring or bentover pivot pin 25 secured to the cross bar 26. Located forwardly of the cross bars 26 and parallel (therewith at a predetermined dis-i tance are the cross-bars 27, preferably ofy somewhat larger'diameter than the crossbars 26. These .crossebars 26 and 27 are rigidly secured together by the straps or bars 28, bolted at their respective ends to each cross bar and form frames. AThe cross bars 27 are each provided on their forward side with eyes or loops 29, through which the hooked ends 21 of the rods 20 are inserted. Spaced apart cultivator blades or colters 30, are connected at their forward ends to thecross heads 27 by suitable means, preferably by bolts 3.1. It will'therefore be seen that each Vof colters are jointedly connected with the draft beams. The colters 30 are semi-circular in a horizontal plane at the ends connected to the cross bars 27 and rearwardly they are twisted into vertical positions and sinuously curved., having downward lspurs 32 intermediate their length and at the point of opposite curva- Upon the front surface of each of the-cross bars 27 and 'central thereof, is secured a lifting link 33, having at its upper or free end an eye or socket.

35, 35, are two treadles, fulcrumed at 36 I to *brackets 37, extending downward from the yrear of the draft beams 14, which brackets are preferably a partof said draft beams, or they may be separate members and secured thereto. rlfhe rear ends of these levers or treadles 35, extend between the hangers 23 and are 'then lbent toward each other and Vat an angle to their forward ends, the extreme rear ends being bent upwardly and provided with a foot rest. The forward portions of these treadles 35 are provided with spaced holes 38. Rods '39 are pivoted at one -end to the brackets 37 by the same pivot pins or bolts by which the treadles are `fulcrumed and at their other ends to the rearends of two rocker bars 40, 40. These latter are provided with spaced holes 4l for interchangeable connection with the rods 39 for leverage. These rocker lbars 40 are pivotally and adjustably connected to the lifting links 33, by bolts 44.

43, 43, are two rods having each end bent at right angles and one end of rthese rods 43 is inserted into one ofthe holes 38 in the treadles 35, at or near the forward end thereof, and the lower or other -ends of these rods 43 are inserted into one of the forward holes 41, in the rockerbars 40. These rods are held in such positions in any desired manner.

46 is a ycentrally disposed arch-:bar having its lower ends extended laterally in oppokto the draft beams, there being an overturned lip on each head forward of the slot `therein to better secure the ends of the arch-bar in said slots. At the top of the arch-bar 46 and centrally thereof on its forward surface is pivoted a rocker arm 51.

^ This rocker arm 5l is provided with spaced i holes 54 at each end thereof for adjustment and leverage and for receiving two connect` ing rods 55, extending between said rocker arm and the respective treadles 35. These rods 55 at their bent ends are preferably provided with a hole to receive a fastening pin but it is obvious that other fastening devices may be employed. The upper bent over ends of the rods 55 are passed through one of the holes at or near the respective ends of the rocker arm 5l and their lower bent over ends are passed through one of the holes 38 at or near the forward ends of the respective treadles If desired, the lower bent ov'er ends of the rods 55 may bc 1 connected with the rocker-bars 40 instead of with the treadles as shown in Fig. l.

56, 56, are two toothed segments secured to and supported upon the frame 3, one at each side thereof, and 57, 57, are two levers fulcrumed to said segments at 58, and which extend toward the seat 7, within easy reach of the driver. These levers 57 carry latch rods 59 engaging with the teeth of the segments 5G to hold the levers in the desired position. The integral forward ends of the levers 57 are bifurcated to receive the sleeves G0 which are provided on their opposite j sides with integral pins 6l which enter holes in the bifurcated lends of the levers 57 and in which holes said pins work freely. These sleeves G0 surround and are slidable upon the vertical rods 62, ythe lower ends of which are secured to the respective ends of the arch-bar 4G in any suitable manuel'. Coiled around the rods 62, both above and below the sleeves 60, are helical springs G3, having a bearing at one end against said sleeves and at the other ends against collars or nuts 64, secured to the lrods G2.

rlhe machine is a straddling-row culti vator and it will be readily seen that the central raised portion of the axle 2 and the arch-bar 4G allow the machine to pass freely over the crop being cultivated without danger of injury to the plants.

The operation of the machine is as follows VVhen the colters are set as illustrated in Figs. l, 2 and 3, of the drawings, and the driver depresses with his foot the end of the right-hand treadle 35, it will cause the forward end of such treadle to move upward and through the means of the rod 43 the forward end of the rocker bar 40 will be drawn upward, which will cause the lifting link 33, attached to the cross bar 27, to lift said bar 27 and thereby raise the forward ends of the colters 30 attached to this bar out of the ground, while at the same time the rear ends o-f these colters will be lowered, thus Vthis gang of colters will then only have their rear ends actually in the ground. Depressing the right-hand foot treadle 35 will through the means of the connecting rods 55 and the rocker arm 51 on the arch-bar L16 force down the forward end of the rocker bar 40 on the opposite side of the machine and thereby cause a reverse action with the gang of colters at that side of the machine; in other words, the forward ends of the colters will be forced into the ground, while their rear ends will be lifted out of the ground. This is illustrated in Fig. #t of the drawing. The right hand gang of colt-ers having their rear ends curved toward the left, and being elevated at the forward end, and the left hand gang of colters having their forward ends curved toward the left, and being elevated at the rear end, will, while the machine is being drawn forward, cause both gangs of colt-ers,

due to the resistance of the earth `being worked, to have a tendency to travel to the right.

V[t is obvious that when the lever end of the treadle 35 at the left hand side of the machine is depressed by the foot of the driver, the action will be the reverse, that is the fo-rward ends of the colters on that side of the machine will be raised and their rear ends forced deeper into the ground while, the forward ends o-f the right hand gang of colters will be lowered and their rear ends raised and the forward ends of thisv gang being curved toward the right, while the rear ends of the left hand gangA of colters are likewise curved to the right, the ground will be cut in the same direction by both gangs, and they will have a tendency to travel toward the left.

The arch-bar 4G has sufficient resiliency or spring to permit of the gangs traveling slightly either to the right or to the left without undue strain or danger of injury to the parts.

The peculiar shape of the colters cause them while the machine is in operation to thoroughly pulverize and mellow the surface soil to the required depth without danger of disturbing the roots of the crop being cultivated, and the pulverized earth acts as an absorber of moisture in the atmosphere and a conserver of moisture in the ground.

By means of the levers 57, the driver can lift both gangs of colters entirely clear of the ground when desired for turning the machine or when moving from one field to another, and in cases where the soil is soft so that the carrying wheels sink into the ground, these levers can loe-operated by the driver to adjust the gangs of colters to the ldesired relative position so that they will not work at too great a depthA in the ground.

Then the condition of the soil requires it, more weight, or a greater pressure may be given upon the colters by forcing them down through means of the levers 57 and rods 62. It will thus be readily understood that by these means both gangs of colters may be simultaneously lifted entirely clear of the ground or adjusted so as to act at a greater or less depth in the ground according to the condition of the soil, and that they may be retained in their adjusted positions by means of the latch rods 59.

I claim as my invention:

1. A straddle row cultivator having two spaced apart draft beams, a gangof sinuous colters jointedly connected with the rear of each draft beam, and means connected with both gangs of colters whereby the forward ends of one gang of colters may be raised and their rear ends lowered, while at the `same time the forward ends of the other gang of colters are forced downward and their rear ends raised.

2. In a straddle row cultivator, the combination with the carrying wheels, a-Xle, frame and draft pole or tongue thereof, of two spaced apart draft beams, a draft arch to `which the forward ends of the draft beams are jointedly connected, a gang of sinuous colters j ointedly connected with the rear end of each draft beam, and means connected with both gang of colters whereby the forward ends of one gang of colters may be raised and their rear ends lowered, while at the same time the forward ends of the other gang of colters are forced do-wnward, and their rear ends raised.

3. In a straddle row cultivator, the com bination with the carrying wheels, axle, frame and tongue, of a draft arch, two grooved sockets secured to said draft arch, one at a predetermined distance from each end thereof, two spaced apart draft beams, a bent neck or projection secured at one end to the forward ends of the respective draft beams and terminating in a rounded head adapted to fit within said sockets while the necks rest within the grooves in said sockets, a gangof sinuous colters j ointedly connected with the rear end of each draft beam, and means connected with both gangs of colters whereby the forward ends of one gang of colters may be raised and their rear ends lowered, while at the same time the forward ends of the other gang of colters are forced downward and their rear ends raised.

4. 1n a straddle-row cultivator, the comsor bination with the carrying wheels, aXle,

frame and tongue, of a draft arch, two spaced' apart draft beams jointedly connected at their forward ends to said draft arch, a gang of sinuous colters jointedly connected with the rear end of each draft operating said parts whereby the angular relation of the colters with the soil maj, be adjusted.

5. In a straddle-row cultivator, the combination with the carrying wheels, aXle frame and tongue, of a draft arch, two spaced apart draft beams jointedly connected at their forward ends to said draft arch, two spaced apart gangs of sinuous colters, a cross-bar to which the forward ends of the colters are secured, a cross-bar te the rear of each of said cross-bars and rigidly secured thereto, jointed connection' between each of said cross-bars and sai(` draft beams, rocker bars, a lift-ing link secured to each of said forward cross-bars at one end and pivotally connected at its other end with one of said rocker bars, a bracketdependent from each of said draft beams at the rear end thereof, a foot treadle fui crumed at the lower end of each of said brackets, rods pivotally connected with said treadles and said rocker-bars, an arch-bar having its respective ends secured to saic" draft beams, a rocker arm pivotally connected to said arch-bar, connecting rods each having one end pivotally connected to one end Vof said rocker arm and their other ends pivotally connected to said treadles at or near the forward ends thereof, whereby when the treadles are operated, t-he angular f relation of the colters with the soil is changed.

6. In a st-raddle-row cultivator, the com` bination with the carrying wheels, axle, .l

frame and tongue, of a draft arch, two spaced apart draft beams jointedly connected at their forward ends to said draft `other ends pivotally connected to said rear cross-bars, rocker bars, a lifting link secured vto each of said forward cross bars at one jend and pivotally connected at its other end :with one of said rocker bars, a bracket de- ?pendent from the rear end of each draft beam, a foot treadle fulcrumed at the lower ,vend of each of said brackets, rods pivotally Iconnected with said treadles and said rocker ibars, an arch-bar having its respective ends secured to said draft beams, a rocker arm.

fpivotally connected to said arch-bar, con nect-ing rods each having one end pivotally connected to one end of said rocker arm and @their other ends pivotally connected to said l treadles at or near the forward end thereof, whereby when the treadles are operated th' angular relation of the eolters with the soil jis changed.

Signed by me this 25th day of May, 1911.

FREDERICK N. TAFF.

Vitnesses GEO. T. PINCKNEY, E. ZACHARIASEN.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, 

